Working Clearance for Fan Coil Safety Switches

I have a client who is insisting the 3 ft. working clearance rule be applied to disconnect switches or toggle safety switches mounted on fan coils located above ceilings. Where in the NEC is the clearance requirements for such applications?

NEC 110.26(A) requires working space for equipment likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized. Examples of such equipment include panelboards, switches, circuit breakers, controllers, and controls on heating and air-conditioning equipment. The word examination, as used in 110.26(A) includes tasks such as checking for the presence of voltage using a portable voltmeter. Information taken from NEC Handbook 2014. A toggle switch used as a motor disconnecting means does not require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance so the 3 ft. clearance should not apply.